A definitive biography of one of Singapore’s founding fathers, Mr S. Rajaratnam, has been awarded the top honour at the 2025 Dr Alan HJ Chan ‘Spirit of Singapore’ Book Prize. The prize, presented by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), recognises literary works that embody the nation’s heart, identity and collective spirit.
The winning title, S. Rajaratnam, The Authorised Biography, Volume Two: The Lion’s Roar, published by ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute and written by Ms Irene Ng, charts the remarkable life and impact of Singapore’s first Foreign Minister. Through rigorous research and access to private and government papers, Ng presents deep insights into Rajaratnam’s role in shaping Singapore’s foreign policy, co-founding ASEAN and drafting the National Pledge, as well as his leadership in labour reforms that built Singapore’s unique tripartite model.
The award was presented on 20 November 2025 at a luncheon held at The Fullerton Hotel, with Ambassador-at-Large Professor Tommy Koh as Guest-of-Honour.
Celebrating the Singapore Spirit
The prize was established with a S$1 million gift from the late Dr Alan HJ Chan, a philanthropist and Confucian scholar whose legacy continues to uplift Singapore’s literary and cultural landscape. It rewards fiction and non-fiction works that inspire compassion, empathy, voluntarism and activism, strengthening the nation’s social fabric.
This year’s ceremony coincided with Singapore’s 60th year of independence, marking a moment of reflection on the stories and ideas that continue to define our identity, as highlighted in the opening remarks by Associate Professor Allan Chia, Deputy Provost of SUSS.
Merit Prize Recipients
Two merit awards of $5,000 were also presented. Both works were praised for offering fresh perspectives on communities and individuals who helped shape the nation.
| Title | Author & Publisher | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Neverness | Mr Fairoz Ahmad, Ethos Books | A poignant coming-of-age story set in 1979 Engku Aman, depicting the Malay community during a time of rapid change. |
| ENIGMAS: Tay Seow Huah, My Father, Singapore’s Pioneer Spy Chief | Associate Professor Simon Tay, Landmark Books | A personal and historical examination of Singapore’s first intelligence chief and the nation’s formative security years. |
Honouring the Storytellers of Singapore
Judges described the winning Rajaratnam biography as inspiring and revelatory, breathing life into pivotal chapters of Singapore’s history while capturing the human spirit that carried the nation through decolonisation into independence.
The shortlist also featured Burn After Dawn by Chim Sher Ting, and He Who is Made Lord by Muhammad Suhail bin Mohamed Yazid, reflecting a vibrant and evolving Singapore literary scene.